http://www.activeezine.com/pdf/46_6-2010

Al Stevens'

Al Stevens Office: 573-323-4110 Cell: 573-351-8002 www.riverwoodsestates.net/

Dear Friends,

Summer is officially in full swing! Swimsuit season in here so it's time to heat up your workout. After you finish working up a sweat be sure to bust out the sunblock and beach towels, round up the kids and head out for some fun under the summer sun! Just don't forget to check out our essential summer guides first!

This month in Welcome Home magazine win the fight to be fit and banish that bulge forever!

Confused about what types of exercise are out there? Or just dread going to the gym? End the confusion and work it out at home, we tell you how! Love having you kids home for the summer, but coming up short on fun ideas? Check out our summer with the kids survival guide! And last but not least, unlock the secret to looking and feeling great at the beach.

From picking the perfect swim wear to how to present your best beach going self, our guide has it all!

Please enjoy this issue of the magazine! Have a tight and toned June, and as always, Welcome Home! If you have comments or suggestions please email us at welcomehome@activeezine.com, we would love to hear from you! Also if there is a subject that you would like to see covered, let us know! We look forward to hearing from you!

Al Stevens www.riverwoodsestates.net/

573-323-4110 573-351-8002

Welcome Home!

Table of Contents 4

Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 How To Pick Running Shoes Choose the perfect fit for you with this handy guide.

Famous Fitness Options What’s the most popular way to slim down, find out here!

6-7

Surviving Summer With The Children

8 - 11

Keep the kids happy with these super fun summer ideas.

12 - 14 His and Hers Guide To Looking Good At The Beach Knowing you're more Baywatch than crime watch you can lie back and relax!

15

How To Choose The Right Fitness Clothes For Your Workout.

How to get fit and be stylish at the same time.

16 - 17 How To Get Your Backyard Ready For Summer Fun People are not the only ones that need a little shaping up for summer!

18 - 19

Fitness At Home For Your Convenience Want 6 pack Abs, but hate the gym? Check this out!

20 - 21 Products To Love!

Hot trends, technological wonders of tomorrow and so much more!

22 City Spotlight Wilmington, NC. Family and wallet friendly fun, what more could you want?

23 Businesses That Make A Difference Walmart, Making saving easy and a better life possible for everyone.

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokersʼ listings. If you are currently working with another broker, please disregard this information.

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained

by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/ or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose lies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Recipe and Design Calypso Steak Salad

Geometric Soaps

Prep: 20 min., Grill: 10 min., Stand: 10 min. We

The fun shaped soaps are great for all ages.

recommend Desert Pepper Trading Company Peach Mango Salsa for this recipe.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 1/2 pounds beef strip steaks 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime rind, divided 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 1 (8-oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained 1/2 cup peach-mango salsa 1/3 cup diced red onion 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning 1 head romaine lettuce Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation: 1. Place strip steaks in a shallow dish, and add 1 tsp. grated lime rind and 1 1/2 Tbsp. lime juice, turning to coat.

2. Stir together pineapple, next 5 ingredients, remaining 1/2 tsp. grated lime rind, and remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp. lime juice until blended.

3. Remove steaks from lime juice mixture, discarding juice.

Sprinkle steaks evenly with 1 tsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning.

4. Grill steaks, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 4 to 5 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness. Let steaks stand 10 minutes, and cut into thin strips.

5. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter, and top with sliced steak and salsa mixture. Garnish, if desired.

Diane Sparrow, Osage, Iowa, Southern Living, AUGUST 2007

What You Need: • • • • • • •

Blocks of translucent (glycerin) soap in pink, blue, and green (available at crafts stores) Block of opaque white soap (available at crafts stores) Sharp knife Glass container for melting soap Toothpick Purchased soap mold, deep plastic cookie cutter, or desired mold shape Aluminum foil

Instructions: 1. To make checkerboard soap, cut a 3/8-inch slice of the pink soap. Cut that slice into nine cubes. Arrange five of the cubes in the bottom of the mold. Set aside. Cube the white soap into the glass container. Place in the microwave until just melted. Remove and let set until a film forms over the top. Push the film away with a toothpick and carefully pour the white soap into the mold over the pink soap. Let it set for a few minutes. Arrange the last four cubes of pink soap in openings between the first pink soap cubes. Finish filling the mold. Allow to cool thoroughly before removing from mold.

2. For striped or X and O soap, follow directions as for checkerboard soap, except cut strips of pink or a pink X and green O and lay in the bottom of the mold.

3. For the egg soap, place egg cookie cutter on a sheet of foil.

Arrange shapes of soap on the foil. Slowly fill with white melted soap. Allow to cool. Remove soap from the cookie cutter.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com

Fit Help

How To Pick Running Shoes Running is an exercise from which wonderful cardiovascular and aerobic benefits are gained.

A popular choice for men and women, it can be done almost anywhere. Just as a carpenter requires the right tools for his trade, the right pair of running shoes is essential for both the casual and the serious runner.

There are some things to consider when purchasing a running shoe.

be the best fit. Those with a low arch or flat feet would need a straight shape shoe.

- How far and often will you be running? If you are a casual runner (less than ten miles per week), then a basic running shoe will be fine. If you are training for a marathon, consider making a true investment in your running shoes for optimal performance.

- Shop for running shoes late in the afternoon, as feet are at their peak size at this time of day.

When trying on the shoe, make sure there is a full thumb width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Also, if a running shoe fits properly, the toe box will allow the toes to move freely. The heel should not slip or rub against the shoe and the sole should flex with ease where the foot flexes.

- Consider the arch in your foot.

Those with a high arch, need a running shoe with a curved shape. If you have an average arch, a semi-curved shoe might

- Where will you be running?

Most people run on pavement or sidewalks, so most running shoes are designed with this in mind. However, if you are going to be running on uneven or softer surfaces (such as mountain trails or grass), look at shoes intended for those kinds of surfaces.

- Go to a store that specializes in running shoes or at least to a sporting goods store. The sales associates will be able to help you make a decision on the best shoe for you.

- If you run often, consider purchasing more than one pair of running shoes. This way, you can rotate them. And, if you run often, your shoes should be replaced ever six months or so.

- Do consider price so your budget isn't blown, but don't sacrifice comfort and durability in the process.

Runners have a wide selection of styles, colors and levels of comfort from which to choose when looking at running shoes.

Remember, whether you are a casual runner or a serious runner, comfort and excellent support are essential for the best performance!

Written by The Running Advisor. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com.

Famous Fitness Options As life accelerates, people are feeling an intense need to get into regular exercise programs and workouts to keep fit.

Those who do so willingly enjoy innumerable benefits. Those not so willing often have to adopt it as a treatment to fix what later ails them. Â People really want more from their lives today know the benefit of regular exercise. They are signing up for regular exercise programs. As we know that necessity is the mother of invention, and many new avenues of different exercise programs and fitness classes have become popular as people seek to improve their health. The fitness programs that most of the gyms are offering today are: Yoga - This is a whole body fitness regime from ancient India. It was created thousands of years ago by the sages to keep physical as well as mental fitness maintained and improving. It includes various postures and breathing techniques to calm the body. This is also a step to increase connection with spiritual aspects of the self.

Pilates Classes - This is similar to Yoga in its approach to fitness. They help you improve body posture; strengthen core muscles and work to strengthen overall the body. The main emphasis is given on strengthening muscles and body balancing.

Weight Loss - As obesity is growing, more and more people are aware of weight loss benefits. Gyms are offering many weight loss exercise programs on demand. This helps to reduce weight and helps a return to healthy living. These programs may include cardio exercise, fat and calorie burning exercise, body toning exercises and workouts for strengthening muscles.

Body Toning Programs - These help you achieve a flat and firm stomach, buttocks, thighs, and toned muscles. These exercises are generally done lying on a mat and work well.

Tai-Chi and Karate Programs - Earlier these were considered for self-defense only, but now they are important workouts to strengthen muscles and tone-up your body. They offer exercise through the dynamic of physical combat that serves both the body and mind.

Swimming - This has been a great way of gaining health for ages. This is a whole body exercise which strengthens your body and is a lot of fun in the water. Every one enjoys swimming, and its good for every one of all ages. This is often helpful for people suffering from back pain or arthritis.

Cycling - This is also a good exercise for those who cannot take up heavy exercise. It allows you to maintain the level of speed and effort thats right for your own pace. This firms up muscles in legs and improves heart and lung functionality, a great fitness program for all, especially for ladies, and elders.

Fitness programs for seniors - There are many special fitness programs for seniors. They can include cardio, aerobic, dance, swimming, cycling, and many more activities. These programs are designed in consideration of common complications that seniors or elderly people may face. Â You should consult your gym administrator before taking up any exercise program. You should discuss any health issues with him/her in detail before signing up for a program.

Written by Fitness Courses. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Surviving Summer With the Children

Ah! School is almost over for another year. Over will be days filled with getting up and getting to school on time, homework, last minute school projects and school programs. For about two weeks after school ends everyone is loving life. But then reality sets in. Children become bored. The parent's normal schedule is gone. The rest of the summer is a constant challenge.

As a young mother, "Summer Vacation" was a real challenge. I had seven children, very little money, a small hot house and a husband that was out of town most of the time. It was enough to drive the most stable mother to the edge of insanity. So, we would pack up the old station wagon with a picnic lunch and find places to go. Over the years we visited every park, lake and canyon in three counties. We visited museums, went to community events and toured local factories. Once a month we would go somewhere that required money such as a zoo or amusement park. Our summer days were busy and fun.

I was lucky in many ways that I had the ability to stay home with my children. In today's world most parents have to work to survive. This only compounds the problem of keeping children constructively busy during summer vacation. It is a proven fact that when most children are left to their own devices for extended periods of time they tend to get into trouble.

What is a parent to do? The key to surviving the summer is planning. It is good to provide a variety of activities. Whether as a parent you have the time to spend with your children or you leave them with someone while you work, it is important to have a plan. Even if you work, it is important to plan time with your children doing constructive and fun activities. Spending time with our children will create lasting memories and traditions that will be handed down for generations. These are some activities that have worked well for others.

1. Museums. Everywhere there are museums. Most counties have may museums. Museums can be entertaining as well as educational.

5. Theme Days. There are many days that celebrate everything from donuts to airplanes. Here are a few examples: National Doughnut day in June 6th, Space Day is July 16th and Peter Rabbit Day is July 28th. Research what days fall in your schedule and plan activities for the day around the theme.

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt. Send the children into the yard or neighborhood or take them to a park.

Have them find as many different kinds of leaves and rocks that they can. When they are done, have them research what kind of leaves and rocks they are and then have them make a picture or craft out of the items.

7. Bird watching. Obtain a book about birds. Make binoculars by gluing two toilet paper rolls together and having the children decorate them. Send them out with their binoculars to look for as many different kind of birds as they can. Making and hanging a bird feeder will attract birds to your yard.

8. Meals. Let each child help plan and prepare a meal each week.

9. Historical Sites. Every town has a history. Find the historical sites in your area, learn about them and visit them.

10. Tye dye. Learn how to tye dye clothes. Buy white T-shirts and let the children design their own shirts.

As you plan out your activities you will have a lot of fun, create memories and most importantly, retain your sanity as you go through the summer months.

2. Parks. Pack a picnic lunch and visit a different park every week until you have found all the parks in your area.

3. Reading Chart. It is important for children to keep reading over the summer or they can loose some of the progress they have made. Make a chart and have rewards for certain numbers of pages read.

There can be small rewards for a few pages read and then when a larger number of pages are accomplished a trip or large item can be the reward.

4. Neighborhood Carnival. Have your children plan a carnival for the neighborhood. They can make up games and serve bags of popcorn or candy.

Written by Christopher Anderson. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

His and Hers A Guide to Looking Good on the Beach

No, it's not an oxymoron; you really can find the perfect suit to flatter your figure if you just understand a few things. The very first thing to know is that there are very few perfect bodies out there. Everyone has something they are trying to deal with. Here are a few tips for HIM and HER on how to impress when forced to wear very little clothing‌.

A Woman’s Guide to Looking Good on the Beach Small on Top If you're small on top, you may want to try the newest, little swimsuits from Brazil. The Brazilian woman is generally smaller on top than the Australian girl, and their swimsuits are cut accordingly. Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire, demi-bra style that makes the most of a beautiful, dainty, bust line. Try to find a top with adjustable straps at shoulders and around back so that you can tighten and adjust things, to help fill out the top line. You are very lucky that you have the body to wear those cute, ruffled tops that are so hot right now, so go for it. And as for bandeau tops, only you can wear those well. You can also show off in those tiny, triangle tops that the big busted girls only dream about.

Avoid tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit. Opt for separates, where you can choose your top and bottom separately.

Big on Top You may need some extra support; underwire tops can work well and look great. Halter-top bikinis can be a good choice by offering support, while providing some sexy cleavage too.

Look for styles that are banded around the midriff and can be tied in back and around the neck. This style will give you some lift and will allow you to make adjustments for a personal fit.

Look for one-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or at least, a shelf bra.

Straight cut bust styles such as a classic tank can look clean and sporty. Wide shoulder straps will also be much more comfortable than thin, spaghetti straps.

Avoid strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, triangle tops that offer minimal coverage. Again, make sure to get a suit where you can order the top and bottom sizes separately.

No Waist No problem. It’s not that you don’t have a waist, it’s that you hips are slim.

If you don't have many curves, create some by wearing one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut. A belted waistline on a one-piece suit will give the appearance of a whittled middle. So will a draped, surplice detail that pinches in at the waist, or a curvy seam line that runs down each side of the torso. Bikinis are good for you. Add some illusion at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows. If you’re small on top, go for a strapless bandeau. Go for a dark, solid bottom and a wildly printed or embellished top. Avoid solid-colored or horizontal striped one-pieces.

Plus size figure Show a little skin in just the right places and you will look seductively svelte and super sexy! Look for onepiece swimsuits with lace or mesh

inserts. A strategically placed cut-out, or a deep V neckline, can really change your visual image. Lengthen your thigh with an adjustable ruching detail at the hip. A sheer sarong can give you a little confidence and still look totally glamorous. Dark, cool colors are always good. So are swirling, or V patterns. Try a swimsuit with dark, solid panels down each side of the torso and a floral printed middle. Avoid too much fabric. Modesty is certainly OK, but too much coverage is not necessarily a better option. Also, stay away from white, as well as bright, neon fabrics and those nappy textiles.

Big on Bottom The newest, mini-skirted bikinis are too cute and made just for you! Don’t go for a super frilly one, though. Instead, pick a smooth, skimming skirt that is short and sweet, but covers what it needs to. A ruffled or highly decorated top is OK though. The details will draw attention to your top half. You could also go for a moderate, bottom bikini that has a 3 inch side...very chic! Make that a solid bottom and print top for a super effect. Avoid boy shorts, too skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.

Whatever you end up wearing, do it with confidence!

A Man's Guide To Looking Good On The Beach

The beach is a fashion minefield for men. So we've put together a foolproof guide to looking good on the beach. Flex your muscles, and enjoy the female attention with this mustsee video on beach fashion.

Make sure your feet are in good condition; dry flaky skin and toenail fluff will leave your hooves coming off second best to the beach donkey.

Body Hair

What you wear on your head can define an outfit, and there is little middle ground: it's either in or out, so keep an eye out for passing trends. That said, there are some eternal nono's.....first and foremost the comedy hat - what better way to show people you've got a sense of humor, right? Wrong.

Novelty hats are as bad as shell suits and mullets. It's not big and its not clever. Bandana's may help to keep hair off your face whilst look stylish, but its definitely doesn't suit you sir, and remember handkerchief's will just lead to comparisons with George Formby.

Having chest hair isn't a problem, but you won't attract the right sort of attention if you look like a Wookie from behind, so get a back wax before your holiday. Leave your pins alone though, bald legs will make your calfs look like two anaemic kippers frying in the sun. Slightly hairy feet are ok, as long as you don't look to much like a Hobbit on its summer holiday.

Shorts If you're more Borat than Bond, a skimpy swimsuit is only going to draw attention to the bits you will want to hide, and no amount of posing and posturing is going to cover this up...

So a loose fitting pair of shorts is probably the safest bet.

Patterns and vivid floral prints will suit those of a more flamboyant nature. Dark solids are a classic that never go out of style and flatter most men, just be careful to choose a little lighter color if your skin is particularly pale. Show off your athletic side with a stripe or let out the rocker in you with a bold graphic print. The rule to remember here is this; if you don’t want to see it on someone else, don’t wear it yourself!

Headwear

Accessories Too much jewelry is never a good thing and should be kept to a minimum. A single surf-style necklace or leather bracelet can work for you, but looking like an extra from Pirates of the Caribbean will not.

Try to keep your sunglasses simple. Sharp-angled, sports shades with rainbow colored lens' won't suit everyone. If you don't suit the surfer/tour de france look, try going all retro sexy and Top Gun with a pair of aviator shades.

Sarongs

Image projection

The humble sarong - simple, stylish and such an easy garment to put on… well, for those who know how. Whether you're off to the south coast or the south pacific check out Videojug 'Beach Fashion' for a variety of ways to wear a sarong with style, rather than like a bafoon.

The beach is for posing, not for exercise, so only get active if you are athletic by nature, playing with a bat and ball on your own won't win you admiring glances. But being energetic isn't the only way to perk the interest of the more discerning members of the public. Display your intellect with a carefully chosen book, a classic or current bestseller will help give the impression your as deep as the ocean in front of you. Whereas a graphic novel or a copy of Guns and Ammo will send the ladies into a faster retreat than the Red Army.

Footwear An even worse crime than the banana hammock, is hitting the sands with a sock and sandal combination. Wearing trainers with bare feet is also bad news, not only for your image, but also for the environment. Keep it simple: stick to flip-flops or Birkenstock style sandals.

Written by Fran. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

How To Choose The Right Fitness Clothes For

Your

Workout

Who said that exercising cannot be done in style? It seems like an impossible job to look good while working out and sweating it all out. Believe it or not, looking good while exercising can boost your confidence and even encourage you to do complete workouts.

What clothes to wear?

Choosing your outfits can be a crucial factor in working out. You should be able to choose an outfit which can flatter your body type. The general rule lies in black. Everyone looks great in black, as it creates the illusion of a thinner body. For women, they can look great in a sports bra and black shorts. These can enhance the appearance of womenʼs body parts.

However, for women who are not confident with their bodies, they may opt for clothes which cover more areas of the body.

Men on the other hand go for plain black attires which create a sexier look for them. If Shorts are not an option for you, then you can choose to wear jogging pants or work out pants that flatter your legs.

Of course, you need to choose a comfortable set of clothes when your work out. There is no use in wearing beautiful workout clothes when you cannot do exercises freely. Do not compromise your clothes when working out because you are exercising to obtain your perfect body.

What about your hairstyle?

Engaging in heavy training will ruin your hairstyle especially if you let your hair loose. IT can frizz up your hair and it will not go back to how it looked good before. You can choose to tie your hair in a ponytail. Or if you find your loose ponytail bothering you, you can choose a braided hairstyle. Weaving your hair can secure it more properly which allows you to work out and not be worried that your hair will get ruined. But be careful when you choose to have a hairstyle like a ponytail of braided look because tying your hair too tight might cause your head fatigue and lead to headaches. There is nothing worse but to workout with an aching head.

Never ever try to wear makeup when you are working out. These chemicals can clog into your pores and do not combine well with sweat. This can only cause your make up to smudge if it is not water proof. Also, your make up can cause you to have pimples, blackheads and whiteheads which do not look great on your face.

There are certain types of cloth suitable for working out. Cotton cloth does not really do the job. It is very absorbent and can absorb all of your sweat and will not dry up. There are dry-fit lines available in sporting brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok and others you may want to try them out. They even come in the hippest designs and styles which can make you feel confident about working out. Itʼ true that working out can be fun, especially when you have the right clothes to match it.

Written by Brandon Johnsen. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

How to Get your Backyard Ready for Summer Fun Summer is just around the corner, and if you want to be ready to host your friends and family with that perfect barbecue, you should get started soon!

There are many ways to get your backyard ready, and when it comes to prioritizing them, your personal situation should to be taken into account. If you live in a part of the country that faces harsher weather in the winter months, then you might want to first focus on general maintenance of your lawn and backyard space. However, if you live in a warmer area, then you may want to prioritize by first sprucing up your space with summer necessities, since maintenance will not be as much of a challenge. Either way, there is a great deal of work to be done as summer quickly approaches.

If your yard needs a makeover before summer hits, you will need to begin soon. Raking up leaves, fallen branches and other debris is crucial to prepare your yard for fun times to be had, but getting rid of that debris is one of the more challenging problems that you will need to address. If you can afford it, a good mulch making machine will accomplish wonders for you. By mulching the various items that mothernature has scattered throughout your yard, you can simultaneously clean up your lawn while planting

gorgeous flower beds that will bloom as summer says hello.

If your lawn is suffering from the damage of the winter, try a product such as Patch Perfect Grass.

While you should ideally seed and sod in the fall to let it settle before winter and be healthy by summer, it is not too late to salvage your lawn. Fast moving, weather resistant solutions, allow you to quickly repair any flaws in your yard, and make your grass green and inviting for all of your guests.

Planting wildflowers that will grow quickly can add some color to your lawn, while plants such as the Hosta are excellent ways to add borders and a bit of structure to your garden. With these small touches you can make almost any backyard an inviting space for summer barbecues and gatherings. From here, your next step should be to find the best items to take a presentable yard, and make it outstanding.

Adding the right touches to your backyard can make it one-of-a-kind. Well placed privacy screens are a unique way to make your yard more attractive by hiding unsightly objects from guests view. Well placed screens can shelter items such as recycling

bins, garbage cans, pool equipment or unfinished yard maintenance. Well placed dividers can also help to enhance atmosphere in different parts of your yard.

Lighting is another way to make your backyard stand out. Japanese lanterns are a traditional way to light up your barbecues and other summer events, but flame-less candles can also add soft lighting to your yard. Solar powered lanterns are a great way to illuminate walkways while helping the environment. All of these tiny additions are great ways to accent and maintain your garden.

There are also a few major items that can do wonderful things to help maximize your fun in the sun. Outdoor furniture such as quality tables, chairs and benches, can all make your backyard as comfortable and beautiful as the rest of your home.

Picking out the right furniture for your yard can be fun, and the affect it has on the way your yard looks can be very fulfilling. These days, there are a few dominant styles to choose from in outdoor furniture, such as metal, wood and glass. Metal furniture is great due to its sturdy, long lasting and refined appearance.

However, metal can struggle to deal with the various elements of weather, and can quickly show

its age through rust and changes in color. Wood is a second popular material for outdoor furniture and can enhance the natural look of your yard. Keep in mind that when wood is painted, it can become very fragile. Wood is also more fragile then metal in terms of potential breakage.

Glass furniture has the ability to give your yard a very high end, stunning look. The drawback of glass furniture, however, is that it becomes dirty quickly and daily maintenance is usually a must.

Maintaining any furniture is a challenge.

Purchasing a high quality vinyl cover for your furniture can make maintaining easier, but be sure to cover the furniture completely to keep it safe from unpredictable elements.

Getting your backyard ready for summer fun can take a great deal of work. Turning your backyard into a cheerful space to entertain guests requires demanding gardening and yard work, paying close attention to small details and investing in larger items such as outdoor furniture. With proper acquisition and maintenance of these items your summer dreams of perfect barbecues and family gatherings can come true, and you can celebrate your best summer yet.

Written by Nick Kakolowski. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Fitness At Home For Your Convenience

Fitness

doesn't have to be complicated . It really isn't necessary to join a gym or to buy

expensive exercise equipment to benefit from exercise. For some people this is good way for them to stay with a program. However, for many other people, setting up a home gym can be a great way to get their exercise in.

Depending on your goals, you can spend as much or as little money as you want to set up a home gym. If your are on a budget, you might decide to make your own equipment. You can very easily make a set of dumbbells from various household items like plastic milk cans, or cans of unopened soup.

If you want to be a little more ambitious but still cheap, you might go to a Garage Sale to pick up used exercise equipment, Or you might go to a discount store like Play It Again Sports where they have used and new equipment at a discount. You might even go to a store like Wal-mart to purchase cheap fitness accessories.

You can be very creative when it comes to setting up your home gym. The idea is to find accessories that you will use in your exercise routine.

Of course the very cheapest thing to do is to use your own body weight for various exercises such as pushups, crunches, walking, etc. Any equipment that you would buy or make would hopefully make your routine more fun to do.

Types of Equipment There are various types of equipment that can be suitable for home use. You can find these at commercial gyms. Often the home versions may not be as heavy duty as the commercial ones, but, in most cases would be very adequate for working out at home.

Treadmills Treadmills can be fairly affordable to use at home. Your primary consideration would be if you have room to set up a treadmill. You may consider putting one in your basement or garage, Or possibly a spare room. They will make getting your cardiovascular exercise easier, especially on rainy or bad weather days.

Exercise Bikes Exercise bikes don't take up a lot of room. They can easily fit in a small space in a spare room. It is another piece of equipment that is used for cardio.

Elliptical Machines Elliptical machines would take up about the same amount of space as a treadmill. They are a good piece of equipment for cardiovascular exercise that works both they upper and lower body at the same time.

Rowing Machines Rowing machines are designed to give your whole body a workout at the same time. They tend to be a bit more complicated to operate than an exercise bike . However, with a little instruction they can give you a good cardiovascular workout.

Weight Benches Weight benches are used for strength training. You don't have to get real fancy with these. A simple bench for bench presses and lying down type exercises would be good. It is possible to buy benches that have accessories for a number of other exercises. Again, your available space would be a consideration. It basically depends on your budget and your experience as to what type of weight bench to buy. If you are just starting out I would say keep it simple and just start with a basic bench.

Bowflex For those that want to spend the money, the Bowflex is another workout option for strength training. If you have room in a basement or spare room, the Bowflex would be a nice piece of equipment to have. The biggest advantage to a Bowflex home gym is the variety of exercises you can do.

Although it's not necessary to have a gym in your home, being able to exercise at home can be a convenient way to work on your fitness.

Written

by BradofSmith.

Photograph by Zsuzsanna Written by Dale Tabern.

Courtesy articlesbase.com, Photo

by BrianKilian Lary

Products To Love In June Just like anyone else I get tired of my stomach looking sad and flabby, and I live in horror of the dreaded “muffin top” but with this super easy to follow dvd I no longer dread swimsuit season. Crunch - Pick Your Spot Pilates is fun, super easy to follow and yet still gives you a great workout. You can choose to do one of the three ten minute sections, belly, butt or thighs, or you can do them all together. There is also another ten minute workout that hits everything! You really feel the difference and within a couple of days you can actually see a change, itʼs fantastic! So get up off the couch and down on the floor or a great workout with this amazing DVD! Please click here for more information.

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Reviewed by Rural Jungle Testing

You ask, what in the world are those? We answer, welcome to the world of barefoot running! FiveFingers KSO, show here in Men's Black/Black 45, are the revolutionary creation of Vibram. Say good bye the cramped toes, shin splints and back aches forever! The individual toe pockets allow your foot to move as nature intended, giving you better balance and stability in anything you do. Made from Kangaroo leather and Vibram performance rubber these toe freeing wonders can conquer anything! So what are waiting for? get running!

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No, no, NO!! Step away from that Speedo!

Guys, please! There is nothing better than being able to show your self off at the beach, especially after all the hard work you put in to getting ready to play under the summer sun, but we have a better way! Let us introduce you to these bad boys, the Diesel Men's Hollow Long Board Boxer. Available in Black, Red and Orange these universally flattering alternatives are sure to make a splash, but in the right way!

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Products To Love In June Tired of all the tiny teeny bikinis that cover nothing and leave you feeling like you want to hide? Ladies, have we got a swim suit for you!

Go retro sexy in the gorgeous Vamp One Piece by Jantzen. Show just enough skin to keep things fun but still be covered enough to let the world know that you are lady. Flattering on every body type this super hott suit comes in Tropical Green (featured in picture), Java, Rose Violet and White. Please click here for more information.

Want to finally get into great shape, but dread the idea of dragging yourself to a gym? Achieve you ultimate fitness goal in the privacy of your own home with the amazing Bowflex Revolution FT Home Gym. With more than 90 exercises, and 400 variations on those, you can tone and tighten for your best body ever. Smooth Spriaflex resistance technology makes this the best Bowflex product yet!

Please click here for more information.

Make this summer with your kids the best one ever! There is nothing better than a big beginning of the summer bash, and nothing makes that bash better than good old fashioned cotton candy! Make your own fluffy stuff with the Nostalgia CCM505 Cotton Candy Maker. This easy to use treat maker is small enough to sit on your counter and yet big enough to produce tons of fun! The only trouble is, you will have is trying to decide what flavor to make first!

Please click here for more information.

City Spotlight

Wilmington, NC Initially a quiet port town in southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington is today a haven for tourists who want to take in a bit of everything on their holiday. With great weather and multiple attractions suited for every interest, Wilmington is truly a tourist paradise.

battlefields steeped in history where the charm of a bygone era is recreated for your pleasure. For those who want to hit the beach there are Wrightsville, Kure and Carolina beaches that offer water sports facilities as well as options for simply lazing in the sun and swimming.

For those interested in history, Wilmington has a number of museums to see. Battleships, mansions and plantations have wonderful exhibits with many rare specimens on display. There are interactive multimedia guides to these exhibits as well as special events and workshops. If you are interested in snakes, visit the Serpentarium for its wonderful displays. Children can spend a great time at the Children’s museum no matter where their interest lies.

Art galleries are also a pleasure to see and there are often special exhibitions that are announced beforehand so make sure to check before you drop in.

If you are interested in fishing, Wilmington has special angling charters that take you out to inland and offshore waters and you can catch anything from a king mackerel to sharks. If you are a novice at fishing, you can learn more about it from the helpful staff on these charters. You can also set sail on a cruise from the docks and spend the evening being entertained and dining on board a wonderful ship. There are also stud farms which organize horseback riding and also have ponies for children as well as petting zoos. Shopping opportunities are plentiful and there are entertaining annual festivals, live performances and shows to liven up your evenings in the town.

There are amusement parks that guarantee a fun time with the family. If you want to go camping there is the option available for choosing where you want to go - from secluded woods to scenic spots with access to the internet and other facilities. Campers in Wilmington can choose from a variety of campgrounds. You can visit the film studios and locations where many popular TV shows and movies have been filmed. There are also Civil War

Wilmington is easy on your wallet with affordable attractions so you do not have to miss a thing while you are there. The place is easy to get to by Interstate as well as by air and coupled with great lodging and dining places this is truly a wonderful holiday getaway for you and your family.

Written by Phil Patete, courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Businesses That Make A Difference

At REI, we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear.

We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.

Each year, REI donates millions of dollars to support conservation efforts nationwide, and sends scores of volunteers to build trails, clean up

stores, phone us, or visit the REI website.

By staying true to our roots, we've beaches, and teach outdoor ethics to earned a place on FORTUNE kids. Through responsible business magazine's list of the "100 Best practices, we strive to reduce our Companies to Work For" every year environmental footprint. since the rankings began in 1998. We work hard to earn our reputation for What began as a group of 23 mountain quality and integrity every day. Our climbing buddies is now the nation's commitment remains the same as largest consumer cooperative with when we started out in 1938: to more than three million active inspire, educate and outfit for a members. But no matter how large we lifetime of outdoor adventure. grow, our roots remain firmly planted in the outdoors. Our passion for Check out www.rei.com to find out more. outdoor adventure is clear, whether you walk into one of our 100-plus

Random Facts

This month's random fact introduces us to the ever evolving, fast and furiously paced world of formal exercise.

Today we hear about physical exercise every day, on TV, the radio, from friends and family and even from our health professionals. Exercise, or working out, is a huge part of our culture and if you are a die hard gym rat or a confirmed couch potato, at some point in your life you have wondered while working out, "I wonder, who got all this started?". Well, a lot of different people actually!

The benefits of exercise have been known since antiquity. Marcus Cicero, around 65 BC, stated: "It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor." But the real go to the gym and work until you sweat movement got it's start in 1825. The first indoor gymnasium in Germany was probably the one built in Hesse in 1852

by Adolph Spiess, an enthusiast for boys' and girls' gymnastics. Gymnasia (i.e., places for gymnastics) in Germany were an outgrowth of the Turnplatz, an outdoor area for gymnastics, promoted by German educator Friedrich Jahn and the Turners, a nineteenth-century political and gymnastic movement. However, the link between physical health and exercise (or lack of it) was only discovered in 1949 and reported in 1953 by a team led by Jerry Morris. Dr Morris noted that men of similar social class and occupation (bus conductors versus bus drivers) had markedly different rates of heart attacks, depending on the level of exercise they got: bus drivers had a sedentary occupation and a higher incidence of heart disease, while bus conductors were forced to move continually and had a lower incidence heart disease. This link had not previously been noted and was later confirmed by other researchers.

So now you know a little of the history behind the fitness mania that has seized the world today. Just remember this, the next time you are tempted to sit down and watch some TV with a big bowl of chips instead of working out, while all this fitness was seem painful, sweaty and never ending it is actually really good for you! Do your heart a favor, put down the chips and go rescue you sneakers from their loneliness, your body will thank you.

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